Saints Name Grand Final Sides as Double Glory Beckons

MacKillop Saints have locked in their squads for Wednesday’s NRL NT Schools Championships Grand Finals, with Head Coach Matthew Sharp unveiling the teams during a press conference in the MacKillop Boardroom this morning.

The Saints will contest two Grand Finals on the day, with the Open Boys opening proceedings against Driver Secondary School before the highly anticipated Under 16 Boys decider against Taminmin College later in the afternoon.

Despite entering the finals series with a growing injury list and several players unavailable through Work Program commitments and other obligations, Sharp said the club’s focus remained firmly on embracing the challenge.

“It’s been a difficult preparation, but that’s been the story of these groups all tournament,”

Sharp said.

“The boys have continually found a way to overcome setbacks and put the team first. To have two sides playing for Territory titles is a credit to the character of these young men and the culture that’s been built at Saints over many years.”

Open Boys Ready for Driver Rematch

The Open Boys will face Driver Secondary School in the opening Grand Final, having produced a commanding performance against the same opposition earlier in the championships.

However, the Saints will once again rely on several Under 16 players to bolster their ranks, with Timana Roe, Luke Knight, Gopal Mutanda and Zac Waters all backing up later in the day for the Under 16 Grand Final.

The Open Boys squad is:

Jyles Boulton
Sonny Watkinson
Hunter Knight
Alex Liddle (c)
Kallen Cunningham
Jackson Jones
Cooper Moore (vc)
Kian T’Lam
Timana Roe
George Shoko
Maverick Failla
Luke Knight
Gopal Mutanda
Zac Waters
Judd Boulton

Former Saints President Oren Tyler said the club’s ability to remain competitive despite player unavailability highlighted the depth of the program.

“What we’re seeing now is the result of years of hard work from players, families, coaches and volunteers. Saints has always been about creating opportunities for young people and these boys have earned their chance to play on the biggest stage.”

Under 16s Eye Territory Crown

The marquee match of the day will see the Saints Under 16 Boys square off against Taminmin College at 1pm, with both schools chasing the title of Northern Territory school rugby league champions.

The Saints enter the contest after an impressive campaign and will be led by captain Luke Knight, with vice-captain Tyler Heikkinen providing support in the centres.

The Under 16 squad is: